Turmeric: a versatile plant
Turmeric is used to flavor food, but it is also beneficial in reducing cholesterol, controlling diabetes and improving the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Also known as soc saffron or as pallium, turmeric, with the scientific name of Curcuma longa, is also widely used in creams, as it helps in the treatment of skin problems, such as psoriasis or acne, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
With a long deep yellow root that turns into a powder, turmeric can be purchased in supermarkets and is used to season food or make infusions. It can also be consumed in capsules and is part of the most used condiment in Indian cuisine, called curry.
Benefits of turmeric
Turmeric could provide several benefits for the body such as:
1. Prevent cancer: With phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps prevent and fight different types of cancer such as colon, breast, bowel, bladder and bone marrow.
2. Reduce cholesterol: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps to reduce the levels of ¨bad¨ or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, preventing cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident or atherosclerosis.
3. Relieve pain: Therapeutic turmeric extracts can relieve joint discomfort and pain in diseases such as arthritis, as well as helping with back pain and weight control.
4. Promote weight control: Turmeric extract has been shown to help reduce weight, improve metabolism, reduce the growth of fat tissue and promote the proper functioning of insulin.
5. Prevent neurodegenerative diseases: It has a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action on brain cells, improving cognitive ability and preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
6. Control diabetes: It helps reduce blood glucose levels and improves the functioning of pancreatic cells, making it a good therapeutic option for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
7. Prevent allergic diseases: Curcumin can have a positive effect on the control of allergic diseases, such as rhinitis and allergic asthma.
8. Treat intestinal inflammation: Concentrated turmeric can help in the treatment of diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms.
9. Improve skin health: With anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, it can be used to treat dermatological diseases such as acne or psoriasis.
10. Reduce depression: Curcumin appears to have an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect, influencing the balance of brain neurotransmitters.
Properties of turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, digestive, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, slimming, antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
Differences between saffron and turmeric
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a flower rich in bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, while turmeric is a root similar to ginger, rich in curcumin and other compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions.
How to consume turmeric
The most common way to consume turmeric is as a powder to flavor food or in infusions. It can also be consumed in capsules and can improve its absorption with the use of oils such as olive oil, coconut or avocado.
It is important to consider the side effects and contraindications of this plant, and it is always advisable to consult with a health professional before consuming it on a regular basis.
